AUBURN, Maine — Maine’s construction industry is preparing to welcome a new wave of skilled workers thanks to a free, four-week pre-apprenticeship program launching this spring at five community colleges across the state. State leaders say the initiative comes at a critical time as the industry faces increasing retirements, rising infrastructure demands, and a shrinking pool of qualified workers.
The program — a partnership between the Associated General Contractors of Maine (AGC Maine) and the Maine Community College System — will give about 100 Mainers the chance to build foundational skills, earn entry-level certifications, and connect with potential employers at no cost to participants.
“The need for our workforce is growing,” said Kelly Flagg, executive director of AGC Maine. She explained that the industry’s challenges are compounded by an aging workforce and escalating project workloads from communities statewide. According to Flagg, getting new workers in the door is essential to sustaining the momentum of Maine’s construction sector.
“This program really is a unique opportunity to do that,” Flagg said.
Classes will take place at:
Participants will receive hands-on experience in core construction skills, along with safety instruction and job-readiness training. The curriculum is designed to help trainees begin working in the field, move into an apprenticeship, or continue studying for a construction trade degree.
“Anybody who wants to fast-track a career can come here, get their basic certifications, get connected with some potential future employers, and then kick-start that career,” Flagg said.
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Dwayne Conway, dean of workforce development at Central Maine Community College, said practical experience is what sets this program apart.
“It makes them be more successful as they move up through the trade,” Conway said, noting that hands-on work can give new students the confidence and competencies needed to advance.
The program is fully funded through the Harold Alfond Center for the Advancement of Maine’s Workforce, eliminating tuition barriers and opening doors for anyone 16 or older who wants to pursue a trade.
Liz Love, director of strategic partnerships at the center, said affordability and accessibility were central priorities when designing the program.
“We're creating accessible fast-tracks into the trades,” she said. “We want any adult in Maine that's potentially looking to enter the field to have access to that.”
Officials say the pre-apprenticeship is just one part of a broader strategy to keep Maine’s construction industry strong. Workforce organizations are also working on expanding partnerships, offering more technical training opportunities, and encouraging young adults and career changers to consider construction careers.
“We think that this will have a significant impact on growing the skilled trades workforce in Maine,” Love said.
Applications are open now, with training sessions scheduled for March in Auburn and Presque Isle and for May in Fairfield, Bangor, and Calais.
Originally reported by Katie Delaney in News Center Maine.
